Whitlocklibrary - The Stars And Moon

Smoker’s Cheshire~

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

🃜 pairing : Smoker × AFAB! GN! Cheshire Cat! Reader

🃜 fandom: one piece × reader, Wonderland x reader

🃜 Summary: “Ahh thank you…”

“Smoker.” He grumbles out as he lights his cigars.

“Thank you Smoker for the help.” And this was the day you joined the marines, and also the day you became inseparable from Smoker.

(This is the Smoker version of my Cheshire cat! Reader series)

🃜 Word Count:4.5k

🃜 Warnings:cursing,injured reader, fighting, SMUT (Minors Do Not Interact). Unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it my lovelies) Explicit Sexual Content. Punishment,Oral (Female Receiving), PIV, Orgasm Delay/Denial, Praise Kink, Biting, Possessiveness , Choking, Aftercare (because that’s important)

🃜 Requests: Open

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

Curses are heard as as the G-5 division makes there way through the village. The lead they had turning out to be false,and now they are just trying to leave this mad house. The island that they ended up on was a maze of madness the villagers not being any help. Now they are just trying to make their way back to the ship so they can leave the island. They all stop when they hear a mad cackle and they see a girl with long blonde hair, a blue dress with what looks like a white apron on the front,and black shoes with white socks standing at the base of a tree.

“Byyyyy the way if you’d really like to know he went that way.” You jump down from the tree with both hands pointing in each direction. You were on the shorter side standing at 5’6 with (h/l) purple and pink hair that brings out your bright yellow cat eyes. You had on a purple shirt ,and a pair of black pants that were tucked into black boots.

The girl looks at you in confusion not noticing the small audience you have gained.

“Who did?”

“The White Rabbit.”

“He did?” The girl asks with a look of hope.

“He did what?” You say in confusion.

“Went that way?”

“Who did?” You tilt head keeping up the confusion.

“The White Rabbit.”

“What rabbit?”

“But didn’t you just say. I mean …Oh dear.”

You smile wide before disappearing in front of the girl then reappearing behind her hanging upside down on a branch.

“Vice Admiral should we interfere.” Tashigi whispers.

“No let’s see what happens so far they are justing messing with the girl no harm has been done.” Smoker replies as he let’s out a puff of smoke.

“Can you stand on your head?” You let out a small laugh before swinging yourself over the branch to sit on it.

“However if I were looking for a White Rabbit. I’d ask the Mad Hatter.”

“Mad Hatter? Hmm no no I-I-I don’t-“

“Orrr there’s the March Hare in that direction.” You point in a random direction.

“T-Thank you.I think I shall visit him.”

“Of course he’s mad too.” You say as you prop your head up with your hand.

“But I don’t want to go among mad people.” The girl stomps her foot against the ground as you swing down from the branch landing in front of her.

“Oh you can’t help that most everyone’s mad here.” You begin laughing as the girl runs off.

“Ahh that never gets old.” You say as you stretch.

“You can come out now I know you are there.” You say before turning in the direction where the marines were standing. You see the group of people slowly coming out and you rake your eyes over them before they stop on the person at the front. He was tall, incredibly handsome and very muscular he had slicked back white hair, brown eyes and a scar that started at his hairline and end by his right ear. He is wearing a large thick white and blue specialist marine jacket which he keeps open, with greenish fur lining the neck, wrists, and hem. On top of what he is wearing he has the traditional Marines' military coat over his attire, draped over his shoulders like a cape and with a jitte strapped to his back. And to top of his look he’s wearing brown leather gloves, blue jeans with a brown belt, and large military-issue brown leather boots. Overall he was hot.

“Well Well if it isn’t the marines.”You say as you circle the group.

“Let me guess you were told the Strawhats were here.” You say before you stop in front of the woman in the group. She is wearing a floral button-down shirt, blue capris, dark pink gloves with a white trim, and dark pink boots.

“This has happened before.”

“Yes it has. You are the third group of marines who have been lead here. Honestly you need to stop listening to the leads. They are coming from Buggy the Clown.” You say as you look at your nails slowly becoming bored.

“Tashigi you didn’t say the information came from that crazy clown pirate.”

“I-I didn’t know commander they didn’t tell where it came from.” You look back and forth between the bickering pair as a laugh bubbles up.

“Oh this is hilarious. I swear you marines never learn. Buggy likes sending you guys here hoping that the Queen of Hearts will behead you. This island is called Wonderland. That’s why you don’t get much help from the villagers.”

You say before disappearing in front of the group momentarily. They look around in surprise trying to find you. Before they can move you reappear in front of Smoker.

“Listen the Queen knows you are here and she doesn’t like it. I’ll help you get back to your ship if you take me with you.”

“How do we know you’re not tricking us.” Smoker says as he narrows his eyes.

You let out a sigh and roll your eyes before holding out your wrists.

“I know you have sea prism cuffs. So put them on me. I’ll lead you to the ship and get you away from here.”

“Commander I say we trust them. It’s the only way we’ll get off this island.” Tashigi says eyeing you out of the corner of her eye.

“Fine.” Smoker grumbles before he pulls out the cuffs and slaps them on your wrists. You keep yourself steady as you feel the cuffs drain you. Your hair slowly becoming duller and your eyes loosing their shine.

“Lead the way.” Smoker says and you roll your eyes before turning and walking down the trail. You lead them through the small patch of woods before you reach the next village.

“What devil fruit do you have if you don’t mind me asking?” Tashigi asks as she falls into step beside you.

“I have the neko-neko no mi fruit model : cheshire. I usually have cat ears and a tail but those only come out when I’m using my full powers.” You respond as you continue down the path that leads to the docks.

“Well here we are now take me with you and you’ll get away without the queen knowing.” You hold your wrists out waiting for the cuffs to be taken off.

“No we won’t be taking those off till we are sailing away from this island.” Smoker says as he lets out a puff of smoke. You huff and roll your eyes.

“Fine I suggest we get on the ship now I see the Queen’s soldiers coming this way.” And with that sentence all of G-5 spurs into action. You are ushered onto the ship and they get sails ready and before you know it you are finally sailing away from Wonderland.

“Finally I’m free from that island.” You say with your signature smile on your face.

“Why did you help us so easily.” You turn and see the white haired man in front of you.

“I wanted to get away. Years ago the kingdom was actually peaceful before the Queen of Hearts took over the people of Wonderland were able to live in peace and not worry about being beheaded. The queen of hearts actually has a sister ,the White Queen, she has been trying to stop her sister, but as you can tell it hasn’t happened yet. And when you appeared I figured it was finally time to help the marines and maybe get a way off the island. Now can I please have these taken off. I can’t exactly escape since we are surrounded by sea water.”

Smoker eyes you before he takes the cuffs off. You’re hair regains its vibrancy and your eyes brighten back up as you activate your floating.

“Ahh thank you…”

“Smoker.” He grumbles out as he lights his cigars.

“Thank you Smoker for the help.” And this was the day you joined the marines, and also the day you became inseparable from Smoker.

*4 months later.*

Curses fill the air as the doctor stitches up your wound. You would normally be able to heal it but a piece of sea prism stone ended up in the wound so you had to see the doctor to get it removed then stitched up so when your healing abilities kicked in it would heal good.

The door opened and Tashigi stepped through with that scolding look on her face.

“You have to be more careful, Ches!” She huffed stepping up to you worriedly. Being only two women in G-5 you had grown close since they took you from Wonderland.

“It’s just a scratch.” You mused watching her eyes narrow at you. She was not amused one bit by your playfulness and apparently, your Vice Admiral wasn’t either. Considering you had disobeyed his direct order, but it ended up helping you catch the criminals.

It was as if he appeared out of thin air, you definitely didn’t notice him behind your friend. Materializing out of nowhere was something he could actually do with his devil fruit powers. Your constant recklessness tended to get on his nerves sometimes.

“You got hit with Sea Prism Ches, I know you’re a bit mad but that doesn’t mean you need to be reckless.” Tashigi continues to scold you not taking notice of Smoker behind her.

His white hair slicked back and buzzed at the sides making his already sharp facial features look more savage. His dark eyes always seemed aware of everything around him no matter how much he drank or how busy he was. His shirt and jacket always hung open showing off the toned chiseled chest that could rival the description of Greek gods. Several battle scars lined the thick muscle. Even though he had a belt slung around his waist his jeans hung just low enough to make a girl think sinful thoughts. He also had another scar over his face making him look even more menacing. His large hands were covered with the thick brown gloves he always wore. He gave you the impression of a delinquent funnily enough.

“Chessur my office when you are done here.” He said gruffly before turning on his thick boot and strutting off. His voice did something to you, sent shivers down your spine and heat began to bloom in your core.

Tashigi watched him go, a grimace on her face. You winced knowing you were going to get yelled at.

“Serves you right.” Tashigi snapped and you offered her an apologetic grin. When the doctor finished she escorted you to your fate.

“Do you want me to wait for you?” She asked hovering near the door you were about to knock on. “No, I have the slight feeling it’s going to be a while.” You sighed and knocked on the door as she strutted down the hall.

The door swung open quicker than you anticipated. He stood there with two cigars clenched between his teeth. He stepped back allowing you to enter, the tension from his annoyance was almost palpable. The door shut behind you and the unmistakable click of the latch shutting had you jumping.

“Vice Admiral Smoker I..” you choked on your apology when he spun facing you, cocking one eyebrow and crossing his arms over his massive chest. You were in trouble, you thought to yourself swallowing hard. His large hand, void of his usual gloves, grabbed your wrist and turned your arm assessing your wound.

“You what?” He asked voice gruff and deep. He released your arm opting to grab your chin and tilting your gaze up to meet his. You face flushes red as you fight the urge to fade away.

“I am umm sorry sir.”

“Are you sorry for disobeying me or sorry you are in trouble for it?” He asked, a puff of smoke clouded your face and he didn’t let go of your chin. Your hesitance alone was enough to answer his question. “We caught the criminals..” you started.

“Do you think I want to see my men hurt? Do you think that your life or any of my men’s lives are worth reckless sacrifices? There were other ways to accomplish this end goal.” He cut you off, his tone scolding as he reprimanded you. You honestly expected yelling. “No sir, I don’t think you want to see that or that their lives are worth reckless sacrificing.” You breathed, his eyes narrowed searching your face. In the short 4 months you’ve been in the marines you grew close to G-5 and they became like your family.

“That was childish, don’t ever pull a stunt like that around me again . I’m still debating on your punishment.” He murmured, tilting your gaze up to meet him again. His voice was alluring, rough, and deep. You nodded, unable to find your voice especially when he was touching you like this. He pulled those finished cigars from his lips and flicked them into the ashtray on his desk his gaze never breaking from yours.

“What are you doing to me…” it was clearly a thought not meant to be uttered aloud. Your cheeks burned

“Sir..” your eyes widened as he leaned forward pressing his lips to yours. You expected his lips to be dry and rough, but they were warm and smooth against yours. The slightest taste of smoke filled your mouth as his tongue forcefully commanded entrance. You stepped closer now flush against his chest, his other hand resting on your lower back holding you in place.

It was so wrong, he was your superior but it only made you want him more. That dominating, commanding, intimidating man. His arms slipped around your waist lifting you effortlessly off the ground. He strolled to the adjoining private hall that led directly to the captain's quarters. The door closed behind him and you were practically tossed on the bed with him following quickly. He was between your thighs, your legs clenching around his waist. The growing undeniable bulge in his pants pressed against you.

His large hands slid under the hem of your uniform. They were rough and callous but you liked how they felt on your skin. He looked down at you, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration as he tried to catch his breath and make sense of it as much as you were.

“You need to leave,” he whispered harshly.

“Is that an order?” You gasped between ragged breaths. “I have a bad track record at following orders.” You reminded him. If anything could make Smoker look more intimidating it was how feral your words made him.

“Then maybe you should be punished.” He says as he towers over you. Everything in your core tightened.

The snaps on your uniform couldn’t have been undone any faster. He tossed the material away as if it offended him working on your pants next you lifted your hips just enough that they could be removed before he was between your legs again. His aching bulge pressed against your arousal-soaked panties. His coat and admiral attire was carelessly tossed on the floor with his pants, shoes, and anything else in the way of his goal. Both of you were stripped of everything but your underwear.

It wasn’t like you hadn’t seen him shirtless before, the man couldn’t even be considered covered in his usual day with how he wore his uniform. His muscles on his six’ ten frame had you drooling. From his shoulders past his thighs, the man was pure god-like. Including well endowed, so well endowed in fact you were hesitant on whether or not you could take something that big.

The thought was fleeting as his hands caressed your hips and his lips brushed against your jaw. He began tracking kisses to your neck, and you sighed contently, tilting your head to give him better access. His hands slipped beneath you, unclasping your bra and pulling it from your body. Lips returned greedily to suck and kiss at your neck. You whimpered as his teeth sank into the junction of your neck and shoulder sucking harshly. There was no way there wouldn’t be a mark later.

“Smoker!” You gasped surprised as his large warm hands groped your breasts. The rough pad of his thumbs teased your nipples. He rolled them between his fingers and licked at the spot he left on your neck.

You arched your back into his touch earning a soft throaty groan in response when your pussy pressed to his clothed cock. His mouth traveled down leaving heated wet kisses across your skin until he reached your nipples. He sucked one into his mouth and a sharp cry left your lips.

His gaze flicked to yours as he licked it before moving to torment the other one. Your hands fisted in the sheets below you until he was satisfied and continued his kisses down your ribcage, your stomach, your hips, and finally your thighs biting and marking an erotic path along your skin.

He took his time with your thighs, holding them open eyes connecting with yours. It sent shivers down your spine. Despite his demeanor, he, unfortunately, had an iron will and the utmost patience as he took his time with you. Finally removing your panties, his eyes hungry. The sight of him between your legs and still towering over you caused a new wave of heat to pool in your abdomen.

Smoker lowered his mouth to your dripping slit tongue swiping a long slow stripe through the wetness. You almost screamed hips bucking in a pitiful attempt to get more. You squirmed and writhed beneath him. His tongue lapped at your clit, firm circles before sucking it into his mouth. It was almost enough to throw you over the edge.

One hand gripped your hip holding it firmly, the other had its fingers teasing your entrance. You bucked again as he slowly inserted one finger into your wetness. “Oh god, yes please right there!” You gasped as a second joined the first. He scissored them inside you stretching you for him. Curling them forward until they pressed and rubbed against that spot inside you that had you squirming.

His broad shoulders kept you from moving and the more intense the pleasure became the more you wanted to move. A third finger joined the other two without much resistance and your moans and mewls filled Smoker’s captains quarters. Your toes curled as you fought to keep your control over yourself. Your hand fisted in his hair tugging at the strand against your better judgment.

He hummed his approval sending shockwaves through your clit. “I’m gonna cum!” You whined arching into his touch, his mouth as he absolutely devoured you. The knot in your core unraveled as you lost every ounce of control you attempted to hold onto.

Smoker’s cool gaze watched you as you lost control. Writhing in pleasure, sounds, and incoherent babbles leave your mouth. You couldn’t come down from your high all the way because he kept firmly teasing your clit with his tongue mercilessly. “Smoker please!” You whined pushing at his shoulder, he grabbed your wrist pinning your arm to the mattress.

“I’m not done with my meal.” He murmured roughly and sucked your clit back into his mouth. Your eyes rolled as the knot formed again, building much quicker than the last time. You whined as he pinned your wrist effortlessly and the other hand was still teasing your entrance again.

“Be a good girl and hold still.” He murmured darkly. You cried out again helpless beneath his touch as you came again. Body trembling from over-sensitivity. When you came down from your second high he finally released you, letting your body calm. He licked his lips, your arousal coated his chin, eyes still hungry, and cock impossibly hard.

“I need to disobey your orders more often if that’s my punishment.” You gasped breathlessly. He smirks as his large hand wraps around your throat. With how big his hand is it fully wraps around your neck and this has your eyes rolling back slightly.

“Who said it was over little one?” He grunted. Your eyes widened and you bit back a yelp as he grabbed your hip roughly rolling you over. He grabs a pillow from the top of the bed and puts it under your hips, his hand moves to the back of your neck and he pushed the upper part of your body to the bed. Carefully arching your body so he can have it pinned perfectly to fuck you. Smoker shifted to pull his boxers off then positioned himself again between your thighs from behind. His hands rubbed your ass squeezing the plushness of it in his hands.

“Maybe I should spank you, ensure you have learned your lesson, little one.”

He breathed, his hands massaging your ass debating on following through with his words. Something inside you was desperately turned on by that. You bite your lip digging your fingers into the edge of the mattress.

The head of his cock brushed against your aching clit before he thrust all the way forward coating his length in your wetness. You were quickly reminded of how large he was. “Smoker I uh..” you swallowed hard wondering if he could hear your heart pounding.

He leaned forward, his larger body covering yours easily. One hand on the mattress next to your shoulder, the other supporting himself on the headrest, his lips at your ear. “I would never hurt you if you haven’t noticed you are rather precious to me. That’s why I am so annoyed at your recklessness.” He murmured. His words made your heart throb, had he always felt like this?

The head of his cock nudged your entrance and you moaned softly at the stretch. Your back arched the pillow keeping your hips angled up as he entered you slowly. “So big- Smoker I c-can’t.” You bite your lip sucking in a stuttering breath.

“Your so tight sweetheart, you can take it. You are doing so well.” He praised in your ear pressing a kiss to your temple, his hips paused letting you adjust to his thick long cock. His praise did something to you, penetrated your apprehensive brain and you clenched the sheets. Inch by delicious inch he filled you slowly, carefully to the brim until he was balls deep inside you. Your moans cut off in the mattress worried you would be too loud if you lifted your head.

Smoker was such a large man you felt so small and helpless beneath him.

“You're doing such a good job little one” He crooned in your ear, it was like all the pressure forced the air from your lungs “Relax and breathe, nice and easy.”

His voice alone, his praises, deep and gruff could have you cumming. Your stretched walls fluttered around his cock clenching and he groaned low in his throat. If he didn’t move soon you would combust.

“Smoker, I’m okay, just please move.”

He was slow, deliberate, as he moved his hips back and slowly guided them forward into you. You moaned loudly into the mattress. “Good girl, squeezing me so tight.” He whispered as he maintained that pace inside you for a bit before speeding up. You moan into the mattress and pushed back against him as he thrusts into you mercilessly. The sounds of his body meeting yours, lewd wet noises filling the room again as you cried out. His fingers dug into your plush hips holding you still for him with one hand as his other hand massaging your ass before he lifts up his hand and then brings it back down. You let out a loud moan into the bed as his hand makes contact with your ass. He smirks as brings his hand back down again watching you jerk against him.

“I know it feels so good, doesn’t it little one.” He murmured as he slid his hand into your hair and tugged your head up forcing you to arch your back more. “You sound so needy, fuck you are so needy for this cock.“

“Ye-yes,” you choked out in a sob, it was so overwhelming, intense pleasure that he brought you to over and over again.

“You want me to ruin you for anyone else huh?” He asked.

“Yes! Yes, Smoker please!” You begged,he smirks and wraps his hand back around your throat as he drapes himself over your body successfully pinning you between the bed and him. This new angle cause him to go deeper as your hips stay in the air. Your eyes roll back as he lightly squeezes his hand around your throat added with the weight of his body.

“Gonna cum for me little one. Gonna cum on my cock like a good girl.” The air felt like it had been pushed from your lungs. Leaving you to make incoherent whimpers and moans. His other hand worked its way between your thighs rubbing at a brutal pace against your clit. His other hand held you steady as he slammed into your dripping cunt.

His name left your throat as a stutter breathy moan. “That’s it, good girl, cum on my cock just like you did on my fingers.” He groaned as you clenched around him. His aching member throbbing inside you. You clutched the sheets letting out an embarrassingly loud pornographic moan. You gushed so hard all over his cock it ran down both your thighs.

“You are making such a mess. You like it when I ruin you, darling , only like this for me.” He groaned low in his throat as he continued fucked you through your orgasm.

“Fuck baby squeezing my cock you naughty little thing. I’m going to fill your little pussy so full so you won’t ever forget who you belong to.” He groaned as he hurried his cock, bottoming out inside you.

Your throat was raw only able to make a soft strangled moan as he filled you. His release filling your tight cunt. “That’s a good girl,” he groaned, “take every last drop for me, this sweet little cunt belongs to me,” his voice was harsh as he slowed his thrusts easing his cock out of you. You slump against the bed as you pant trying to catch your breath. You let out a soft whine when you feel something cold against your sore cunt.

“Shh Chessur I’m cleaning you up.” When he’s down wiping you down he pulls the pillow from under your hips and climbs into the bed with you. His arms slip around your waist and he pulls you back against him.

“You okay Chessur didn’t hurt you did I.”

“Yes I’m okay but..are you going to punish me like that every time?” you asked slyly and he arched an eyebrow at you. “You're asking for it, little one.” He muttered, tugging you close by the hip and kissing you deeply. You could definitely get used to this type of punishment.

Protectors~

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

🃜 pairing : Poly! Lost Boys × Vamp! Female! Reader

🃜 fandom: the lost boys × reader

🃜 summary: Reader is a newly turned vampire and mated toThe Lost Boys. She was turned a few months before Micheal arrived. And the day that Frog Brothers come with the Emerson’s the Reader decided to sleep with her mates. And in their haste to rid Santa Carla of the Vampires they make a grave mistake. (No use of Y/n)

🃜 Word Count:2.7k

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

The cave was quiet, the only sound being the waves hitting the rocks outside. All of the inhabitants of the cave peacefully sleeping, well almost all of them. Something instinctual, deep in your gut and the back of your mind is telling you somethings not right. Slipping through the dark fog in the faint chime of hushed whispers. Voices exchanging softly, all dim and low like they were sharing secrets.

It has you pushing your face deeper into David’s neck in an attempt to muffle out the sounds, desperate to escape fully back into the comfort of a deep sleep.

You usually slept in a bed that wasn’t far from where the boys slept, while Star and Laddie slept in the more open part of the cave. Something in your mind told you to sleep with the boys, so you listened to it.

When you arrived back at the cave after feeding, you were brought to where they slept. There was a little arguing over who you slept with,but something was telling you to sleep with David. So you stopped them from arguing,and they all climbed up to the bar they hang from. Dwanye stayed on the ground with you, so you had help getting to David. Once David is settled he opens his arms for you, and with a kiss to your head Dwanye helps you wrap yourself around David. Once you’re settled David wrapped his arms around your waist, letting you tuck yourself into his hold.

It’s still daytime. Something deep in your gut and the back of your mind assures that the sun is still high up in the sky, scorching and hot. An intuition that you still don't quite understand, but it has your limbs turning heavy and lax, muscles relaxing in David’s hold Your exhaustion has you numb to the world, the delicate rhythm of the waves crashing outside the cave muting down into nothing, the sound of the quiet voices vanishing.It must be two of the boys. Awake already. It would strike you as odd on any other circumstance, and to a degree it does, but your sluggish brain is quick to let go of that train of thought.

The insistence that something is wrong fading into an ignorable afterthought. The scuffle of shoes along dust and stone ignites a tremble down the notches of your spine, as though your body is begging for you to wake up and investigate while it simultaneously sinks further into David’s tight hold.

Something isn't right, something isn't right.

It's like a chant. A primal whisper that coils through your bones and sinew. Leftovers from your ancestors, remnants of the instincts that had kept them alive long ago, but it all seems null and void against the fatigue that seems to press you down like a physical weight. Even while hidden away from the sun it seems to sap you of all your strength.

It's impossible to even try to rouse yourself. Its as though you're held under water. The strength of that debilitating exhaustion sweeps back over you, making the sound of the angry, masculine voice that rises up high within the cave, reverberating from the dust covered stone, dim and distant. As though it's miles away.

“I feel a draft. I think there’s something up here.” You hear from far-away, murky and vague.

“Let’s check it out Sam.” Another voice.

“I’ll be right back Mike.” A third voice. Mike. Mike. That sounds familiar from somewhere - someone. A name mentioned in passing. Mike. Michael. A discussion carried on by the boys while they were all encircled around one of the burn barrels one night. So casual while they considered the fate of a complete stranger as though they were discussing dinner and not the destiny of a man's soul. Some sap that had apparently caught the eye of Star. She hadn't wanted it to go far, but then again, it's never supposed to go that far. But David wanted the guy dead. He was meant to be her first, she hadn't been able to do it.

A wave of muddled scents breaks past the barrier of the rotting wood. Unfamiliar and thick, coated with cologne and shampoo that you don't recognize. All of it twisting with something even more out of place here. Something alive. Heat and life and blood. Iron, warmth, and salt. It's distinctly human. Living. The alarms go off in your head. Raging and flashing red in a way that's violent. And a bright light flashes behind your eyelids.

“JESUS.” One of the voices yells, another one screams before being cut off. Your eyes blink, lashes fluttering as you try to fight the sleep weighing your lids down. Your vision blurs a little, straining through the exhaustion, but then you notice the three figures standing below. They're children. Looking lost, dressed in camo and gear as though they've prepared to fight a war. One has his hand wrapped around the mouth of the blonde child muffling his scream. Wide blue eyes reflecting a visible panic while he stumbles back away from the other two. Another swears, cursing sharply under his breath while he flinches. But it's the one closest to you that moves. His dog tags glinting and chiming from a movement so sharp that it had to be a reflex, but the determination burning in his eyes is purposeful.

“I thought they were supposed to be in coffins.”

“That’s what this cave is. One giant coffin.” The one with the bandanna says as he moved with the other one dressed in camo. They begin to climb up the wood beside your group.

“They’re at their most vulnerable. Easy pickings.”

“You just have to kill the leader huh.”

“We don’t know which on he is. We’ll kill them all.”

“We’ll start with her. She’s already seen us.” They say as the climb closer to where you’re hanging with David. An animal kind of panic tears through you, lighting up your nerves like lives wires, electricity and adrenaline burning through your veins with the white heat of fire. You try to move and wake up David, but your limbs struggle, sleep thawing in your tired arms and legs.

"Kill her, kill her!" One shouts all while the blonde in the background yells at them to stop, but it falls on deaf ears. The boy wielding the stake lunges forward with a war cry. You manage to wiggle slightly in David’s hold.

“David wake up!” A panicked shout rips from your throat, but David remains sleeping.

"The bitch is trying to wake them, you gotta get her before they wake up," someone shouts in a panicked rush. You continue to squirm in David’s hold trying to get the two of you away from the teenagers. Poised in the air, high above the boy's head in an arch. There's hardly any time to act and fear sinks in your gut, chilled and frozen as he drives it down with all the strength he has in his body; his lips curled in a hateful snarl. He's going to kill you. This is it. This is how you die. Your mind screams it over and over again on a broken loop, but your body acts all on its own. It twists so David’s unconscious body turns away from the stake,and your heart is away from the point.

There's no time to rejoice when the stake is already piercing your skin. It sinks in deep, parting flesh and muscle beneath its lethal point. The boy collapses and tips over the side of the ledge that they were standing on. You don't initially realize that you're screaming. You feel it first. The strength of your agonized wail shreds up your throat as though you've swallowed nails, but that pain is secondary to the fire and anguish pulsing through your shoulder. The stake is still wedged inside of your back, burrowing past skin and meat, prying at your shoulder blade like it means to rip it free from the sinew keeping it intact with the other bones. You're bleeding. You can smell it, sharp and distinct in the panicked air. The pain is crippling. Ripping and engulfing, eating up your spine.

The boy with the blue bandana wrapped around his head is stepping forward, already clasping a stake in a white-knuckled hold. The resolve in his eyes is haunting. The desire to kill you fervent and glaring in his stare. That's all it takes to have your voice spilling from you, rising up in another terrified shout.

“BOYS WAKE UP!”

"Say your prayers bloodsucker." He practically spits it out, lips twisting in a grimace as he moves forward preparing to stake you again. And then combined hissing and snarling fills the pit as the boys awaken. They finally awoke to your shouts and the smell of your blood. Four sets of yellow eyes focus in on the three humans in front of them as snarls fill the air.

"Guys, guys, we gotta go." It's the blonde that's repeating it over and over as he sees the vampires awaks, stumbling over his words while he jerks on the other's arms. They give in without any resistance. Fear alive and bright in their eyes, even while the kid with the bandana points his stake in your direction and tosses a quick "This isn't over" at you as the three of them take off in a brisk jumble in the direction that they came from.

The growls from within the cavern raise up higher as the boys realize what happened and it has the kids in a full-blown panic. Tripping over their feet in an ungraceful run as they try and reach the opening of the cave. Your body trembles and your head rolls forward onto the snarling David’s chest.

“YOU’RE DEAD MEAT.”

You can feel your lung snag and pinch as though it's being burned from the inside out, catching on the point of the stake when you inhale. It has you crying, a tear managing to trickle free as your ribcage shudders violently as you gasp.

You don't want to take your eyes off of them, desperate to track their panicked flee, but your eyes cloud over. Stars dot your vision, spotting and flickering in shifting colors as a vignette blurs around the corners of your sight. You feel the world spin as David jumps down from the bar and lands on his feet. You still cradled against his chest. Three more thumps follow as the rest of the boys land behind. Iron coats your tongue. Thick and wet. Bursting up from the back of your throat while you try to breathe, spitting up with each labored inhale. You can feel your life waning. The strength diminishing, shrinking under your skin. Dying out like a flame that's being smothered. Whimpers spill from your lips as your carefully laid on your bed. You can hear the sound of claws ripping across the earth as two of the vampires tear their way out of the chasm like creatures pouring out of hell.

You hear muffled screams and shouts. The dull thud of hysterical footsteps as they rush to escape before death can seize them. You hear David's bellow roll throughout the cave, crashing over the screams from the horrified children. The loud chaos of it all grows dim - distant as they're no doubt running up the mouth of the cave while Paul's laugh rings out from somewhere far away.

It makes you jump when a pair of hands smooth over your shoulders, light like a caress, but you can still feel a heavy tremble run through the fingers. A voice hums out, cooing softly to hush you when a strangled sob wrangles out from your body. The way they handle you is delicate, softly turning you over onto your hip and lifting you up to cradle you against their chest as though you might shatter into a million pieces otherwise. Breathing past the wet iron to try and notice the traces of spice and earth and musk.

It was Dwanye. You try to say his name, but your throat tightens, choking on blood. You can feel his fingers grip your bicep, holding you still and you know that he's looking at the stake punctured deep in your flesh. His hold is nowhere close to the to the wound and yet it flares pain across your nerves, making you twist in his arms while a gutted sob wracks from your body.

"I know, I know, love. I know,but I have to take it out" he says into your hair. It's difficult to hear his voice past the roaring in your ears, but once the words make it past the hum. It's like you can feel the agony already, simmering and slicing across your fried nerves like the edge of razor blades.

“Marko! I’m gonna need your help. ” He calls and you can hear another person coming. And then a gloved hand is cradling your face. The glove was cold against your skin as the hand tilts your head back from where it was tucked against Dwayne’s shoulder. It makes your lashes flutter, and you have to force yourself to keep your eyes open with how heavy they've grown, weighing heavy and threatening to slip closed.

“If we don’t remove it. You’ll die baby.” Marko says. There's a protest lodged somewhere in your mouth, slick from the blood and caught on a broken gasp, but you don't have time try and voice it.

“I’m gonna hold her still you pull it out.” Dwanye says as his grip around you tightens. Marko nods, gripping the stake in his hand and pulls. You want to scream, but there's no air left in your lungs for you to do so, and all that makes it out is a ragged, splintered gasp.

Scorching hot pain pours in your veins as he rips the wood from your shoulder. It slices ribbons up your spine, feeling bone deep and white-hot, acid lashing up your muscles.You thrash in Dwayne’s lap, the grip around you tightening and pinning you against his chest. Marko continues to pull the stake from your shoulder, and there’s hardly any relief once its out. The damage it's done is still agonizing, coiling through your muscles. It's as though the flesh on your back has been flayed.

You can faintly hear the clatter of the stake hitting the stone walls. As the two fuss over you, David and Paul rush back into the area where your bed is.

“How is she?” There's a rawness to his voice, a breathless edge despite the non-necessity of breathing.

“She needs to feed.” Dwanye says. “She won’t make it to sundown.”

David stalks forward while dragging his nail across his wrist. He kneels beside your bed and presses his wrist against your lips. You clasp your fingers around his arm, digging into the aged leather of his jacket. Your teeth bury themselves into his arm as his blood pours down your throat. You feel a hand stroking your head as you feed on his blood. Life floods back into you with each gulp, syrupy and warm. The hole made in the split meat and torn flesh of your back begins to mend in a sluggish process, stunted. You’re cradled protectively between Dwayne and David as Paul and Marko hover around the two.

Paul leans over and presses a soft kiss to your forehead.

"Did you get them?" Dwayne asks.

The thick silence that follows gives Marko and Dwayne their answer. And twin snarls rip out of their throats.

“They’re dead.”

“And they will be. They will be.” David says with a snarl.

“Marko when nightfall hits I want you and Dwayne to go hunt. She’ll need an actual feeding and we’ll need our full strength.” David says as he continues to stroke your hair, letting you have your fill of his blood. He wanted to make sure your wound was healed.

“Paul you’ll be staying here with her while we go take care of the little pests.” Paul nods as he sits on the edge of your bed by your head.

“They’ll regret touching our mate.” They all say as your wound completely healed and you pulled away from David’s wrist sagging against Dwayne as exhaustion took over. The boys continued to plan their attack as you fell into a deep sleep.

Saving his Damsel~

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

🃜 pairing : David × Female! Goth! Mate Reader

🃜 fandom: Lost Boys x Reader

🃜 summary: Reader is new to Santa Carla and after avoiding the boardwalk for months she joins her friends for a night. She is drawn to the carousel and thats where she meets the boys. (no use of y/n) (I left the outfit entirely up to you the only thing described are the belts, boots and jacket. But you can imagine your look however you want)

🃜 Word Count: 2.3k

🃜 Warnings: Physical Assault, Death

🃜 Requests: Open

𓉸ྀི ✩₊˚.☪︎ ⁺₊✧

The lights of the Santa Carla boardwalk will draw anyone in from tourists to surfers and even goths like yourself. You were still new to Santa Carla area having moved there a few months prior. You had been to the boardwalk a few times,but people weren’t really your thing so you stayed away. One night your friends that you’ve made since moving there wanted to go explore the boardwalk. They only went to it during the day,their parents didn’t want them out after dark, but they were finally able to go. You spent the evening hours getting ready, teasing your hair into a huge messy up-do. You used a lot of hairspray, starting with your roots you styled it into a poofy and messy look. After your hair was done you covered your face in white foundation before lining your eyes with black liner, big bold wings now standing out against the white foundation. And to top off the look you added black lipstick to your lips.

Now your outfit. You had dug through closet for an hour before finally deciding on something. You had slipped on the clothes you chose before layering some belts and chains around your waist. And finally to complete the whole look you throw on some combat boots and your black leather jacket. After spraying some perfume, you grab your keys and head out the door. And in your driveway sits a black 1967 Chevy Impala, it shines in the last bit of sunlight.

You slide into the drivers seat, setting your bag beside you. After sliding the key’s into the ignition you start the car,and it comes to life with a small hum. You sit their for a few minutes going through your cassette tapes, before deciding on The Cure. After sliding the cassette tape in,you car is filled with the lyrics from A Night Like This. The drive to the boardwalk was peaceful, most of the locals retreating into their homes before nightfall. The boardwalk was mostly full of tourists and the braver side of the locals.

You park your car in a spot that was close to the boardwalk. You barely come here at night so you wanted to make sure you could get away fast. You were the first of your friends to get there so you get out, and lean against the rails by the entrance. People watching was always fun in Santa Carla, there were so many different types of people. There were the tourists, the punks, the goths (like yourself), the girls who just wanted a good lay, and the guys who would jump anything with a set of legs. And of course there were the Surf Nazi’s, they were some of the crudest people in Santa Carla. Your thoughts were cut off by loud bike engines,and you knew which group it was. All of Santa Carla knew who they were. The infamous Lost Boys.

You had never seen the group in person so you looked curiously. There were three blondes and a brunette. The first blonde you saw had curly hair, a patched jacket, and cherub like face.

The second blonde had long, wild blonde hair and blue eyes. He’s wearing a black coat that reaches his knees with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and split up the back, ending at his waste-line. The next one you saw was the brunette, he was tall and wore a black jacket without a shirt underneath it. And the final one you saw took your breath away. His short hair was styled into a mullet, and it was a platinum blonde. He wore a leather jacket, matching gloves, and dusty black pants. As you were looking him over, he was looking right back at you. And your eyes collided (e/c) clashing with an icy blue. You quickly averted your eyes not wanting to get on their bad side or have to much attention put on you.

Unfortunately for you, their attention was already on you, specifically David’s. The rest of the boys heard David’s thoughts through the pack bond, and they knew that he called dibs on you. The boys stayed perched on their bikes as David watched you with a cigarette between his lips. Then your friends finally arrived, and you headed into the boardwalk with them.

“Let’s go boys.” David says as he climbs off his bike and makes his way onto the boardwalk.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　 𓉸𓉸𓉸𓉸𓉸 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

You knew that your friends weren’t gonna stick around long. They were the type to go find any guy that would show interest. Since they ditched you, after some debating you head to the carousel. As you get on the carousel you notice a beautiful black horse,and make a beeline for it. You climb up on it, sitting sideways so your legs can dangle off the side. Your hand wrapping around the pole to keep yourself from falling as the carousel starts to move. As the ride moves you swing your legs humming Girls Girls Girls by the Motley Crue. Santa Carla was always full of excitement, but at this moment it was peaceful. That peace didn’t last very long when suddenly you felt two people move behind your horse.

“You got some pretty good music taste Goth girl.” You turn your head towards the voice, and you see two of the blondes behind you. The one that spoke was the long haired one.

“Yeah didn’t expect a girlie like you to know Motley Crue.” The curly haired one says as he leans against the back of your horse.

“And what’s that supposed to mean? Looks don’t define a person’s music taste.” You shoot back with a small glare as you cross your arms across your chest.

“Oh the little lady has some fire in her.” A new voice joins in as the third blonde appears on your side. His hand coming up to grab the pole as he leans in a bit closer. As he leans closer the fourth one joins standing by the front of the horse, they made it to where you couldn’t run.

“What’s a pretty one like yourself doing all alone. We saw you with a group earlier.” It was the platinum blonde again.

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business…” You trail off realizing that you don’t know his name.

“David.” He says before pointing out each of the boys.

“That’s Paul.” It was the long haired blonde that first spoke to you, and he sends you a flirtatious smile.

“Marko.” The curly haired blonde. He sends you a wave with his fingers sporting a cheshire grin.

“And Dwayne.” The brunette didn’t say anything all he did was send you a nod.

“Well David as I said before I don’t see how it’s any of your business where my friends are.” You say before dismounting from the horse and leaving the ride once it stopped. Marko and Paul move to stop you, but David stops them with his hand.

“No one touches her. She’s mine.” Paul and Marko hold their hands up in surrender already knowing what this means with their brother. He rarely showed interest in anyone unless he was wanting to feed. And they could tell he didn’t want to feed on you. No he wanted something else.

“Well then let’s go get your girl.” Paul says as him and Marko start to shove each other making their way off the carousel. David and Dwayne share a look before following after the Terror Twins.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　 𓉸𓉸𓉸𓉸𓉸 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

After escaping from the boys you wander around the boardwalk slowly gathering your friends so you can leave. Their parents still wanted them home at a good time since so many people go missing at night. So you made sure they left the boardwalk safely, and made it to their cars. You quickly do a head count of your friends before you all head towards the parking lot. Making sure they’re all safely in their cars and heading home you go to your own car. You reach into your bag grabbing your keys, continuing to your car until you hear a wolf whistle.

“Hey there hot stuff how about you join us for the night.” A male voice calls out followed by catcalls from what you believe are his friends. You ignore them picking up speed as you make a beeline for your car. It happens when you’re about an arms length away. You’re grabbed from behind your keys falling to the ground as you start to struggle.

“Come on baby don’t be like that we saw you with those biker punks. So come on you can show us a bit of attention.” The hands that were on you yank you around making you face the group. It was a group of the Surf Nazi’s.

“Let me go.” You say as you bring your hand up trying to pry his hand off.

“Playing hard to get I like that.” The guy says laughing as you attempt to pull away. His grip tightens on you, yanking you closer to him. As his grip tightens you let out a pained cry.

“Stop squirming.” He says as one of his hands grab a fistful of your hair. Another pained cry leaving your mouth. Before anything else can happen the roar of bike engines fill the air as four headlights surround you and the guy.

“I believe the lady said to let go.” David says from atop his bike, gloved hands clenching his handle bars tightly. The guy looks at his friends and they all just laugh.

“Or what. You’re out numbered.”

“Boys.” With that one word the boys descend onto the group. One set of hands is carefully yanking you out of the guys grip and pushing you towards David. Screams fill the air behind you, and you go to turn around before a gloved hand is stopping you.

“You don’t need to see that Doll.” David says as he pulls you closer to him. His free hand comes up to carefully fix your hair.

“Did he hurt you anywhere?” Words evading you all you can do is shake your head no. Your mind was still trying to wrap around everything that was happening. You were being saved by the Lost Boys. The biker gang that everyone in Santa Carla avoided, who they were scared of, but they were helping you.

“Hm good.” David says as he looks up at the carnage behind you. His eyes zeroing in on the one who had his hands on you. He was left alone but unable to run away after Marko broke his leg. The rest of the boys knew their brother would want him. For touching his mate that guy signed his own death warrant.

“Alright boys feeding time. Finish up and bring that one back to the cave with us.” David says and your face shows confusion at his words as the screaming begins to quiet down.

“Feeding time?” You mutter to yourself and look up at David.

“Feeding time? What are you talking about? What are you?” At your questions David chuckles.

“What am I. Why I’m yours just as much as you’re mine.” He says as he pulls the cigarette from behind his ear and puts it in his mouth.

“Yours?”

“Yes mine.” He says after lighting up the cigarette. He slides backwards on his bike making room in front of him. Leaning forward he wraps an arm around your waist and pulls you in front of him.

“So the Doll wants to know what I am. You hear that boys she wants to know what we are.”

“Who wants to know?” Paul says playfully

“The Little Lady wants to know.” Marko says. You let out a huff as they mess with you, and then you feel David’s hand on your chin making you look up. This time your breath catches in your throat again as you stare at a completely different face. His face looked monstrous his eyes now a reddish yellow, and his teeth now fangs. You look at him in awe and excitement as your hands come up. The boys look on with surprise on their faces from your reaction.

“Oh my god you’re vampires.” You say with a small squeal as your hands latch onto David’s face, tracing his vampiric features.

“You’re not afraid.”

“Afraid? No. Excited. Yes.” Your hands keep roaming his face.

“Never seen someone so excited over this.” Marko says from behind you.

“It’s weird they usually scream in fear not excitement.” Paul says as they begin to dispose of all the bodies except for one.

“How long have you been a vampire? Can you still eat human food? Does garlic actually work on you.” You start rapid firing questions and the boys could barely keep up.

“Woah doll calm down. I’ll answer all the questions you gave back at our cave.” David says as he gently pries your hands away from his face. The boys walk back to their bikes after getting rid of the bodies, Paul carrying the unconscious body of the guy who decided to mess with you. As he passes by Dwayne hands you your car keys that you dropped.

“You’re riding with me we’ll comeback for your car.” David says as he moves you to sit behind him.

“Wait before we go does this mean I get to be one of you.” You ask as you wrap your arms around his waist.

“Yes you’ll become one of us tonight doll, and that piece of garbage will be your first kill. Now hang on tight we’re about to have some fun.”

Chapter 5: The 72nd Hunger Games

Cato Hadley x reader

Warnings: sparing, weapons, blood, kills, violence, fear, dictatorship, it’s the Hunger Games lol

Word count: 2,989

Masterlist

<<< Previous part

Cato's pov

Cato sat at the long dining table in the Capitol apartment, a heavy silence in the air. Before him was a breakfast fit for a king: steaming eggs, crispy bacon, fresh bread with creamy butter, and exotic fruits he had never seen in District 2. He picked at his food, his appetite dulled by the weight of the morning. Across from him, Clove was eating mechanically, her expression blank, but her fingers were clenched tightly around her fork. Brutus and Enobaria sat at either end of the table, watching them with unreadable expressions.

“Eat up,” Brutus said finally, breaking the silence. “You’ll need the energy.”

Cato forced himself to eat, knowing he would regret it if he didn’t. The food tasted like nothing. All he could think about was what was to come. The blood, the fight, the survival.

After breakfast, they were escorted down to the launch area. The hallways of the Capitol building were eerily quiet, only the sound of their footsteps echoing off the walls. When they reached the transport bay, a sleek, white hovercraft was waiting. A Peacekeeper checked their identifications and motioned for them to board.

Inside, the hovercraft was cold and sterile. Cato took a seat, Clove beside him. Across from them sat the District 1 tributes, Lucian and Selene, both looking as focused as he felt. No one spoke.

A woman in a white uniform approached, holding a small silver device. Without a word, she grabbed Cato’s arm and injected the tracker just beneath his skin. He barely flinched, only watching as she moved to Clove next. The Capitol always wanted to know where their tributes were. Always watching, always in control.

The hovercraft continued its journey in silence. Cato tried to push all thoughts out of his mind, but a pair of piercing eyes haunted him. Y/N. Was she watching? What was she thinking? He shook the thought away. There was no room for distractions now.

After what felt like an eternity, the hovercraft landed. They were led through a series of underground hallways, eventually being split up into individual preparation rooms. The walls were stark white, the only thing in the room being a chair and a large glass tube in the center. His stylist appeared shortly after, giving him a quick once-over before nodding in approval. There was no need for any touch-ups; the Capitol had already ensured he was in peak condition.

“Good luck,” the stylist said simply before stepping out.

Cato stepped into the tube, heart pounding. The glass slid shut around him, and suddenly, he was rising. The platform beneath his feet hummed, and he gritted his teeth as light flooded his vision.

When the world came into focus, the first thing he noticed was the rain. Heavy, torrential rain. Water pounded against his skin, soaking through his clothes instantly.

Then he looked around.

The arena was vast, stretching as far as he could see. It was designed to resemble a ruined city, overgrown with thick vines and vegetation. Crumbling buildings stood at odd angles, some barely intact, others completely collapsed. The ground was slick with mud and water, the streets filled with deep puddles.

But in the center of it all, standing tall and imposing, was the Cornucopia.

His pulse quickened as he scanned the golden structure. Weapons. Food. Supplies. He could already see the glint of blades, the handles of swords sticking out like a beacon.

Perfect.

He glanced at the other tributes, all standing on their platforms, drenched and waiting. Clove was to his left, her eyes locked on the Cornucopia with the same hunger he felt. To his right was Lucian, jaw clenched, body tense. Across the clearing, the weaker tributes were already shifting on their platforms, nervous, uncertain.

The countdown began.

Sixty seconds.

His muscles coiled, ready. His mind went blank, focusing only on the strategy he had been trained for his entire life. Get to the Cornucopia. Get a weapon. Kill anyone in his way.

Thirty seconds.

The rain blurred his vision slightly, but he didn’t care. He had fought in worse conditions before.

Fifteen seconds.

The sound of blood rushing in his ears was the only thing he could hear now.

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

Seven.

Six.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Two.

One.

The horn sounded.

And Cato ran.

Y/N’s pov

The moment the countdown hit zero, Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. The screen in front of her flashed as the tributes launched into action. Cato was the fastest. He moved like a predator released from a cage, his powerful legs propelling him across the wet ground. Rain poured down in thick sheets, making the ruined city arena look even more unforgiving. But Cato was undeterred. He reached the Cornucopia first, his hands gripping the hilt of a massive sword the moment he got there.

Lucian from District 1 was next, just a step behind, followed closely by Clove and Selene. The four of them wasted no time. While the weaker tributes hesitated or ran, they armed themselves and began their ruthless work. The Careers had trained for this their entire lives, and now, the bloodbath began.

Y/N felt her stomach turn as Lucian swung a battle axe, embedding it deep into the chest of the male tribute from District 7. The boy barely had time to scream before crumpling to the ground, blood pooling beneath him, mixing with the rain and mud. Selene, the District 1 girl, had a spear in her hands, and with perfect aim, she hurled it at the female tribute from District 5. The spear struck true, piercing through her stomach. The girl gasped, a horrified look on her face before she collapsed, unmoving.

Clove moved like a shadow, her knives flashing as she attacked. The female tribute from District 9 tried to run past her, but Clove was too quick. One blade to the throat and the girl went down instantly. Y/N squeezed her eyes shut, her heart pounding. She had known Clove was lethal, but seeing her best friend kill someone so effortlessly sent a wave of sickness through her.

But nothing compared to watching Cato.

He was a force of destruction. A hurricane of power and skill. The male tribute from District 3 had made the mistake of grabbing a weapon, thinking he could fight. Cato didn’t hesitate. He brought his sword down in a brutal, swift arc, slicing through the boy’s chest. Blood sprayed, mixing with the rain, and the tribute crumpled, lifeless.

More tributes tried to flee. The girl from District 4 sprinted away, but Lucian was faster. He tackled her to the ground, pinning her before slitting her throat with a dagger. Selene cut down the female tribute from District 11, her blade quick and merciless.

Y/N wanted to look away, but she couldn’t. Every time she tried, her gaze was drawn back to Cato. His sword swung again, and another body fell. The girl from District 9, a desperate look on her face, tried to make it to the treeline, but Clove threw a knife that struck her in the back. She hit the ground face-first, unmoving.

Y/N's hands clenched into fists in her lap. She had known this would happen. Had known what Cato and Clove were capable of. But seeing it—watching them kill so easily—made her chest tighten painfully. She had trained for this, had sparred with them both, but there was a difference between training and reality. Between friendly matches and life-or-death battles.

Her mother placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, but Y/N couldn’t react. She was frozen, watching the chaos unfold. The Cornucopia had become a graveyard, bodies scattered across the wet ground, rain washing away the fresh blood.

Only a handful of tributes had made it out alive. The tributes from 12, 10, 8, and 6 had all fled, along with a few others from different districts. They had chosen to run rather than fight, and for now, they had survived.

Cato stood at the center of it all, chest rising and falling steadily. He wiped the blood from his sword on the clothes of a fallen tribute before looking up, scanning the area. Even through the screen, Y/N could see it—the wild, dangerous glint in his eyes. This was what he had been made for. What he had trained for.

He had never looked more like a victor.

Y/N swallowed the lump in her throat. She should be proud. Cato was proving himself to be the strongest, just like she always knew he would. But all she felt was cold dread settling in her bones. Because the Games had only just begun.

And there was still so much more blood to be spilled.

Cato’s pov

The bloodbath was over, leaving only the strongest standing. Cato, Lucian, Clove, and Selene wasted no time. While the arena around them was soaked in blood and rain, they focused on what mattered—securing supplies. The Cornucopia was theirs. Weapons, food, medical kits, even survival gear. Everything they needed to dominate the arena.

Cato slung a heavy bag of supplies over his shoulder, scanning the area. “We should move before nightfall,” he said, his voice firm. “There’s a river nearby. We set up camp there.”

Lucian nodded in agreement, grabbing another backpack. “Good call. We’ll need water.”

They each took what they could carry. Clove stuffed extra knives into her belt, while Selene gathered rope and other essentials. When they had everything they needed, they left the Cornucopia behind, making their way toward the river. The rain had finally started to let up, leaving the ruined city damp and eerily quiet.

They reached the river within minutes. The water flowed steady and clear, reflecting the artificial sky above. The arena was a masterpiece of controlled destruction—half nature, half ruins.

Selene stretched, tossing her damp hair over her shoulder. “Not a bad spot,” she said, eyeing Cato with a smirk. “Guess we’ll be spending a lot of time together.”

Cato forced a smirk, leaning casually against a broken pillar. “Guess so,” he replied smoothly, meeting her gaze. He could see the interest in her eyes. She was playing the game, just like he was. And that was fine. If he had to play along to secure sponsors, so be it. But she meant nothing to him. Only one person did, and she was far away, watching this nightmare unfold.

Selene stepped closer, tilting her head. “I saw you at training,” she murmured, dragging a finger down his arm. “You were incredible.”

Cato chuckled, making sure the cameras saw. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”

It was all an act. He played the role of the arrogant, charming Career, just like Brutus had told him. He flirted, smirked, made sure the Capitol saw someone they could adore—or fear. But in his mind, all he could think about was Y/N. Was she watching this? Did she believe any of it? He hated himself for even pretending.

Night fell quickly. The rain had made the temperature drop, and a cold breeze moved through the ruins. The four of them sat in a circle, eating the food they’d claimed.

Then, a flicker of light in the distance caught their attention.

“A fire,” Clove whispered, her eyes narrowing.

Cato tensed, gripping his sword. “Idiots.”

Lucian smirked. “Looks like we’ve got more work to do.”

They moved swiftly, silently, weaving through the broken buildings. The fire was small, barely noticeable, but in the darkness of the arena, it stood out like a beacon. As they got closer, the voices of the tributes became clearer. The three of them—the male tribute from District 12, the one from District 8, and the female from District 3—had gathered together, probably thinking there was safety in numbers.

Fools.

Cato moved first. He was fast, silent, and before the boy from District 8 even realized what was happening, Cato’s sword was buried deep in his side. The tribute gasped, blood bubbling at his lips as he fell.

The girl from District 3 screamed, scrambling to her feet. Clove was on her in an instant, a knife slashing across her throat. She collapsed, choking on her own blood.

The boy from District 12 tried to run. He made it two steps before Lucian tackled him to the ground, pinning him beneath his knee. The tribute struggled, terror in his eyes.

“Please—” he started.

Lucian didn’t let him finish. He drove his knife straight into the boy’s chest, twisting it before pulling it out. The tribute went still.

Silence fell over the ruins once more, except for the crackling fire and the sound of the rain dripping from the broken buildings.

Selene sighed dramatically, wiping blood from her dagger. “Pathetic.”

Cato stared down at the bodies, gripping his sword tightly. This was the game. This was survival. But for the first time, as he wiped the blood from his blade, his mind wasn’t on victory.

It was on Y/N.

And whether she was still watching.

Y/N’s pov

The screen flickered, bathing Y/N’s dimly lit living room in a cold glow. She sat on the couch, rigid, hands clenched together so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. Her parents were beside her, silent, but she could feel her mother’s worried gaze flickering toward her every few seconds.

Caesar Flickerman’s voice rang out, smooth and theatrical as always.

“And there we have it, ladies and gentlemen, the Careers staking their claim! What a thrilling first day in the arena!”

Beside him, his fellow commentator, Claudius Templesmith, nodded. “Absolutely, Caesar. The bloodbath was nothing short of a spectacle. Our tributes from District 1 and 2 played their part well. And look at Cato! The way he moved, the precision, the sheer power—he’s a real contender.”

Y/N wanted to scream.

She had seen it all. Every brutal second. Every fatal swing of Cato’s sword. Every scream of the dying tributes. And worst of all, she had seen the way Selene touched him. The way he smirked at her. The way he played along.

Claudius chuckled. “And let’s not forget Selene from District 1! She certainly seems to have taken a liking to Cato. That little exchange by the river—well, I wouldn’t be surprised if we have some romance this year!”

Y/N’s stomach twisted.

“Cato’s got charm, strength, and let’s face it, the looks,” Caesar added with a knowing grin.

Her chest tightened as she recalled his interview. The way he had looked directly into the camera, the way his eyes softened for just a second before he uttered that awful, crushing word:

“No.”

No one waiting for him back home. No one who mattered.

And now he was flirting with Selene like it meant nothing. Like she meant nothing.

Her breathing grew uneven. She wanted to tell herself she was being irrational, that it was just a tactic, that this didn’t change anything. But the image of Selene leaning into him, the way he didn’t push her away—it played over and over again in her mind.

“Y/N,” her mother whispered gently, placing a hand on her arm.

She flinched. “I’m fine.”

But she wasn’t fine. She wasn’t fine at all.

On screen, the scene shifted to nightfall in the arena. The rain had finally stopped, and the Careers were gathered around a fire, eating, laughing. Y/N’s gut twisted as she watched Cato sitting next to Selene. He wasn’t smiling, not really, but there was something practiced in the way he spoke to her, in the way he let her brush her fingers along his arm.

She felt sick.

“Look at them, completely at ease,” Claudius remarked. “And they should be. They dominated the Cornucopia. They have the supplies, the weapons, and let’s not forget—Cato was the first to reach the Cornucopia, making a clear statement to the other tributes.”

“He’s ruthless,” Caesar agreed, shaking his head with admiration. “The way he took down the District 8 tribute—brutal. Efficient.”

Y/N squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to block it all out, but the sounds wouldn’t stop. The clash of metal, the cries of pain, the sickening finality of death. And worst of all, Cato’s cold, calculated movements. This wasn’t the boy she had grown up with. This wasn’t the boy she loved.

Or maybe it was. Maybe this was always part of him, hidden beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

The thought made her stomach turn.

And then the scene changed again. A flicker of light in the darkness—a fire.

“Oh, this is a mistake,” Caesar commented. “A huge mistake.”

The Careers moved through the ruins like predators hunting prey. Y/N’s heart pounded as she watched Cato lead the charge, his steps sure and silent. The tributes by the fire never even had a chance.

The boy from District 8—dead in an instant, Cato’s sword cutting him down before he could react. The girl from District 3—Clove’s knife at her throat, gone in seconds. And the boy from 12—he begged. He tried to run. But Lucian ended it just as quickly.

The camera zoomed in on Cato’s face. His expression was unreadable, but his grip on his sword was tight. Y/N knew that grip. She had seen it a thousand times when they sparred together. When he was angry. When he was struggling with something he wouldn’t say out loud.

But it didn’t matter. Not now. Not when his hands were coated in blood and the arena had claimed him completely.

She stood abruptly.

“Y/N?” her mother asked, worried.

“I need some air.”

She didn’t wait for a response before stepping outside, letting the cold night air hit her.

Cato was alive.

But she didn’t know if she wanted to keep watching.

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